Updated 16 April 2025
Date of Assessment: 7 May 2025 to 16 May 2025. Hartshill Medical Centre is a GP practice and delivers service to 7990 under a contract held with NHS England. The National General Practice Profiles states that the ethnic make-up of the practice area is 79.67% White, 11.81% Asian, 3.95% Black, 2.24% Mixed and 2.35% Other. Information published by Office for Health Improvement and Disparities shows that deprivation within the practice population group is in the 6th decile out of 10. The lower the decile, the more deprived the practice population is relative to others. This assessment considered the demographics of the people using the service, the context the service was working within and how this impacted service delivery. Where relevant, further commentary is provided in the quality statements section of this report.
SAFE
Medicines optimisation required strengthening and the service did not always make sure recruitment processes were followed in line with their recruitment policy. The service had a good learning culture and people could raise concerns. People were protected and kept safe. Staff understood and managed risks. The facilities and equipment met the needs of people, were clean and well maintained and any risks mitigated. There were enough staff with the right skills, qualifications and experience. Managers made sure staff received training and regular appraisals to maintain high-quality care.
EFFECTIVE
People were involved in assessments of their needs. Staff reviewed assessments taking account of people’s communication, personal and health needs. Care was based on latest evidence and good practice. However, our clinical searches identified areas to strengthen. There were systems in place to monitor and improve outcomes, however these were not always effective. Staff worked with all agencies involved in people’s care for the best outcomes and smooth transitions when moving between services. Staff made sure people understood their care and treatment to enable them to give informed consent.
CARING
People were treated with kindness and compassion. Staff protected their privacy and dignity. They treated them as individuals and supported their preferences. People had choice in their care and treatment. The service supported staff wellbeing.
RESPONSIVE
People were involved in decisions about their care. The service provided information people could understand. The service was easy to access and worked to eliminate discrimination. People received fair and equal care and treatment. The service worked to reduce health and care inequalities through training and feedback. People were involved in planning their care and understood options around choosing to withdraw or not receive care.
WELL LED
The provider had governance systems in place; however, they were not always effective at identifying risk. For example, incomplete staff recruitment records and prescription security processes. Leaders and staff had a shared vision and culture based on listening, learning and trust. Leaders were visible, knowledgeable and supportive, helping staff develop in their roles. Staff felt supported to give feedback and were treated equally, free from bullying or harassment. Staff understood their roles and responsibilities. There was a culture of continuous improvement with staff given time and resources to try new ideas.
We found a breach of regulation in relation to good governance. We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this assessment.